Dreamworks strikes TV show deal in Germany

Dreamworks Animation, the studio that is home to Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and Madagascar, is making its way to Germany television under a deal with a children's television operator.

Dreamworks and Super RTL announced a five-year television agreement Tuesday under which they will provide animated shows inspired by DreamWorks productions, such as How to Train Your Dragon, and a show based on the soon-to-be-released film Turbo.

All the original series produced by DreamWorks Animation will air exclusively in Germany on Super RTL's broadcast. The company will also get access to the DreamWorks Classics Library, which includes a number of classic animation shows.

The financial terms were not disclosed. The arrangement begins in September.

Dreamworks and Netflix Inc. announced a similar deal Monday to offer original television shows through Netflix. The companies said the deal, which begins in 2014, is the biggest transaction ever for original first-run content.

Netflix does not operate in Germany.

These kinds of deals provide DreamWorks another outlet for its shows and a revenue stream outside of the two or three big-budget movies it produces each year.

Shares of DreamWorks increased 26 cents to $24 by midday Tuesday, just ahead of a broader market gain.